False Shia Sunni binary by Ismaili leader and noted aristocrat Prince Aga Khan
Editor’s note: The Aga Khan does not realize that it not only Shia Muslims who are being killed in Pakistan, the Deobandi terrorists (operating as Taliban and Sipah-e-Sahaba) are killing Sunni Barelvis/Sufis, Christians, Ahmadis, and other communities. He does not understand what it means to come out for the sake of the Family of the Prophet and get killed most ruthlessly. Even a few of his own disciples, the Ismaeli Shiites, despite the fact that they hide in their Jamat Khanas during Muharram and the rest of the year, have not been spared by Deobandi terrorist. While the major brunt of the genocide is borne by the Isna-ashari (Twelver) Shias, the Ismaeli Shia communties in Giglit Batlistan and Chitral currently face a wholesale massacre at the hands of Deobandi, NOT Sunni, terrorists.
It is true that Aga Khan’s own family lives in the comfort and affluence of Western high society enclaves. If ever he visits Pakistan, he is well escorted and is entertained by generals and Pakistani high society. His only capital, apart from his billions of dollars, is his snob value. How can such a person know, let alone understand, that it is ONLY the Deobandis who have been killing the Shias, Sunni Barelvis, Chrristians, Ahmadis and other minorities with state patronage. As long as his own interests and most of his disciples remain unharmed, he will continue to dance on the stage of high moral ground throwing up one gem of Shia-Sunni binary after another.
In the context of Pakistan the the Saudi Salafists are funding the intolerance and puritanical madrassas or Takfiri terror factories that fuel the Taliban. In the the broader rest of the world the Deobandis and Salafis are partners in world wide terror against everyone that is different from their uncompromising and intolerant interpretation of Islam. In the case of Iraq or Syria Shias are killed but so are Christians and others, same is true all over the world. It is not surprising that wealthy aristocrats like Prince Aga Khan or Journalists paid for my Saudi owned newspapers shy away from pointing to the real culprits and distort the facts as a Shia Sunni binary.
OTTAWA: The spiritual leader of the world’s 15 million Ismaili Muslims Thursday compared a conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims to Ireland, urging the West to engage both branches of Islam.
Speaking to both houses of Canada’s parliament, the Aga Khan said tensions between the two denominations “have increased massively in scope and intensity recently and have been further exacerbated by external interventions.”
“In Pakistan, Malaysia, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Bahrain, Yemen, Somalia and Afghanistan it is becoming a disaster,” he warned.
To help bring an end to the strife in these countries, the Aga Khan said “it is important for (the West) to communicate with both Sunni and Shia voices.”
“To be oblivious to this reality would be like ignoring over many centuries that there were differences between Catholics and Protestants. Or trying to resolve the civil war in Ireland without engaging both Christian communities.”
Highlighting the span of the crisis, he said: “What would have been the consequences if the Protestant-Catholic struggling in Ireland had spread across the Christian world as is happening today between Shia and Sunni Muslims in more than nine countries.”
Canada is home to approximately 100,000 Ismaili Muslims, who found refuge in this country after being expelled by Ugandan President Idi Amin in 1972.
The Aga Khan himself was made an honorary Canadian citizen in 2010.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1089880/aga-khan-compares-sunni-shia-conflict-to-ireland
Related Urdu: https://lubpak.com/archives/306757
I am ashamed at such an article being posted on this page and that to about H.H Karim Aga Khan by one of the editors!!
I can call it jealousy, animosity, being uninformed, or what?
If some one has read the entire speech then he would have clearly understood what introduction the Imam has given about himself and the difference between a Sunni and Shia interpretation of an Imam. He has very clearly pointed out that unlike the Sunni, the Shia have an Imam from the progeny of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) through his son in law Ali and that there can be only one Imam at a time and a place!! I think this should have been enough for those who understand the concept of an Imam and it should have solved the mystery of their hiding Imams!!
There is no mystery if any regarding hiding Imams and also our Imam is not hiding like a coward but occult and will reveal himself only upon GOd’s command besides Humanity should first reach a level of maturity to be able to deserve such a blessing.
Bro, If Prince Karim is real Imam, why is he not doing anything to secure shrine of Bibi Zainab(as)? Why only people who believe in hidden Imam(as) are fighting to secure heritage of Imam Ali(as)?
I think we should just wait for a better Imam.
Let me reply point by point to the Editors note: The Aga Khan does not realize (you are making an allegation on a person who has complete knowledge of what is happening on the face of the earth with the permission (Amr) of Allah as being unaware!!) that it not only Shia Muslims who are being killed in Pakistan, the Deobandi terrorists (operating as Taliban and Sipah-e-Sahaba) are killing Sunni Barelvis/Sufis, Christians, Ahmadis, and other communities. He does not understand what it means to come out for the sake of the Family of the Prophet (coming out does not mean coming out on the streets…. it means spreading the Message of Allah and spreading hope, peace, pluralism, tolerance, building bridges between faiths….) and get killed most ruthlessly. Even a few of his own disciples, the Ismaeli Shiites, despite the fact that they hide in their Jamat Khanas during Muharram and the rest of the year (yes we do not come out on the streets for matam… not because we are not sad or do not have an understanding of Imam Hussain’s sacrifice but because for us Imam Hussain is not dead…a Shaheed is always alive and our Imam possesses the same Noor as Mawla Ali, Imam Hussain and they are alive) , have not been spared by Deobandi terrorist. While the major brunt of the genocide is borne by the Isna-ashari (Twelver) Shias, the Ismaeli Shia communties in Giglit Batlistan and Chitral currently face a wholesale massacre at the hands of Deobandi, NOT Sunni, terrorists. (Our Imam feels the pain for the people killed the most…..he is constantly engaging with the people concerned to bring peace in the different countries)
It is trud that Aga Khan’s own family lives in the comfort and affluence of Western high society enclaves. (He is working more then 18hrs a day and has dedicated his life from a very young age to the service of entire humanity. His family also helps him in his task of an Imam. Even if you were to only read about what he is doing around the world for humanity…forget doing…you will find your lifetime short!!) If ever he visits Pakistan, he is well escorted and is entertained by generals and Pakistani high society (It is true that he is the only Muslim Leader who has commanded so much respect from around the world and International leaders!) . His only capital, apart from his billions of dollars, is his snob value (His empire is working around the clock in welfare activities and he is the biggest philanthropist on this earth). How can such a person know, let alone understand, that it is ONLY the Deobandis who have been killing the Shias, Sunni Barelvis, Chrristians, Ahmadis and other minorities with state patronage. As long as his own interests and most of his disciples remain unharmed, he will continue to dance on the stage of high moral ground throwing up one gem of Shia-Sunni binary after another. (He has full understanding of the world dynamics and nothing is hidden from him…. he knows everything but yes in the interest of peace he may not disclose this to the world…. because he knows what harm it can do)
In the context of Pakistan the the Saudi Salafists are funding the intolerance and puritanical madrassas or Takfiri terror factories that fuel the Taliban. In the the broader rest of the world the Deobandis and Salafis are partners in world wide terror against everyone that is different from their uncompromising and intolerant interpretation of Islam. ( he is funding peace, tolerance, hope, compassion, unity )In the case of Iraq or Syria Shias are killed but so are Christians and others, same is true all over the world. It is not surprising that wealthy aristocrats like Prince Aga Khan or Journalists paid for my Saudi owned newspapers shy away from pointing to the real culprits and distort the facts as a Shia Sunni binary. …..I hope you will now understand what the Aga Khan is all about and next time when you speak ill of him then remind yourself that you are saying it for the Imam of the time and age, the person in authority on this earth, the successor of the Prophet through Ali)
Imam of the Time great Joke
This time calls for unity and brotherhood and not for mud slinging.
You may believe in what you want…. but to sling mud on the Imam of a community is really disturbing and that to from an editor of the group Mr Ali Abbas Taj!!…..whom I have always respected as a brother and read his articles and posting very regularly and appreciate the work he is doing against the extremist interpretation of Islam….. but to sling mud on my Imam is not called for. I can react more harshly and even curse…. but my Imam has taught me to show restraint and try to build bridges. I would appreciate if Ali Abbas Taj will delete this article from his page and behave with tolerance, prudence, and seek forgiveness from Allah for having tried to spread hate, animosity and for mud slinging on the Ulil Amr, the holder of authority, the Imam of the time and age, the progeny of the Prophet, the ahle e Nabi- aulad e Ali. Jasak Allah.
why are you in hiding? those who will continue to react negatively about my Imam even after the explanation has been given by me will invite the curse of Allah on themselves, Ameen. So go on and invite the wrath of Allah on yourself.
My Imam is not a coward…. he has clearly said this a number of times and the world knows about his claim…..if your Imams are the real ones then tell them to come out and deny my imams claim……which they will not till the end of time, InshaAllah. Yes my Imam is in hiding for the ones like you who have still not recognised him!!
Today I am clearly telling you and all those who want to know…… H.H Karim Aga Khan is the direct descendant of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) through Ali (a.s) and he is the Imam of the time and Age. The Imam has to be present and living on this earth in order to interpret and teach the followers the meaning of faith, to guide them, to forgive- to seek forgiveness for , to intercede for, to make the Shariah relevant according to the need of the time and age ……. his work is not to go into hiding and keep the followers in lingo!!
How is he a direct descendent when even his Paternity is unknown?
If the Imam is in hiding from centuries then he is not the Imam at all.
If the editor has the guts to post this article then he should also let my comments stay and not delete them. Because this is a matter of faith to me and I will not keep shut when it comes to my faith and my iman….. whoever insults my Imam will face the consequences in his lifetime and in the hereafter. Ameen
What consequences, then what about Tabloid Papers who carry all manner of scandalous stories and gossip regarding him and his affairs and excesses has any thing bad befallen them?
My Imam is working day and night for peace, pluralism, hope, humanity, diversity, building bridges amongst faith and within Islam, he is running the biggest philanthropist organisation in the world, he helps without any distinction of faith and believes in the entire humanity being created from one Soul.
where is your imam….why staying in hiding when the world is gripped with turbulence and his followers are dying everyday? why is he in hiding?
You do not understand any thing about Ghayba so don’t comment about it or else youll make a fool of your self as your imam is enjoying Vice and luxury and fornicating non stop.
I think you guys are feeling miserable!! If you want to really show that you are right and I am wrong then I invite you to a challenge….. let us call the curse of Allah on those who are on the wrong path or strayed away. Let us do it !
but you will not because your fight is not for the truth and justice….you are cowards not my Imam.
Do you really know what you are saying, if you talk of a Mubahala I wonder who will you bring from your side you fool, Actresses , models Illegitimate children playboys are you serious!!!…
Even if Aga Khan was not an Imam but an ordinary human being …… still to speak ill about such a good soul is fitnah, it is going against the good and siding with evil forces. What has my Imam done wrong to you? has he hurt anyone? why the hate and animosity……it shows that you are lost souls!!
Allah will not guide the community who has no guide.
Allah does not keep his world empty of his guide.
His vicegerent will always be present on this earth as His Amr.
Allah chooses and it is not for any person to change His decision or go against it.
My Imam has openly told the world that he is the Imam of the time and age…. he is the Amr of Allah on the earth…… if you are challenging him you are challenging God…… bring your Imam out and let us call the curse of Allah on the disbelievers.
You are those who want to wander in darkness but Allah perfects His Light. My Imam is the holder of this Light. I have the Iman and I will live with it and die with it. My Imam has the same Noor as Imam Ali and Imam Hussain. What is your claim….. prove it. If you don’t have prof then stop puking hate!!
Holder of light or a bottle of Alcohol? , first learn to differentiate b/w Light and a bottle of Alcohol then talk!!!…
We dont do matam for Imam Hussain…..matam is done for the dead….because we believe that Imam Hussain is alive and amongst us……we are not cowards, we are the ones with Iman!!
If Ali Abbas Taj is not a coward he will not delete my comments…… let the world know….. it is high time the world knows….. it is high time the hidden Imam comes out and becomes known before the blind world.
Shame on you…… for saying that you are a follower of Imam Ali and speaking such hate and enmity for his progeny. I am really very hurt….. only a misguided, blind, evil person can speak such things about a person like Aga Khan who is of such a stature that he commands respect from the world and who gets such respect from leaders of other countries and faith….. yet he is ridiculed by the people for whom he is standing!! He is the real face of Islam and is the voice of Muslims around the world. He is the voice of peace, moderation, pluralism, unity, brotherhood, tolerance. He has devoted his life for humanity, he is spending his wealth for humanity, his family is doing the same, he has institutions and welfare organisations around the world. Have you heard about AKDN, Focus, Aga Khan University, health centres, blood banks, education board, health boards, preservation of monuments, awards on architecture, pluralism centres, Institute of Ismaili studies…..I can’t even name all. Even if I were to only read about his different projects my life would not be enough. He is all knowing because he has the Knowledge which Allah has shared with him!! ………shame on you!!
Face it those institutions are nothing and just a hype otherwise thre is a great deal of corruption and incompetency involved in them and that hospital is a Horrid Hospital so there is nothing to be proud of in it.
My Imam is saying that he is the Imam of the time and age, the direct descendant of the Prophet, the progeny of Ali(a.s), he is saying that there can be only one Imam of a time at a time and place…….
if your Imam is in hiding then you must tell him to come out and do something for the world and prove my Imam wrong…… but he will not….. because there is only one Imam of the time and he is Karim Aga Khan the 49th Imam. Only one subgroup in Shia Islam claims of a living and present- Hazir and Maujood Imam and that is the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims!! Shukar AlaHamdOllilah.
The rope of Allah (Imamat) will not have a break in it…from Ali (a.s) the first to Karim Aga Khan the 49th Imam. Imamat is like a tree with its roots firmly inside the ground and which bears fruits (present and living Imam) in all seasons.
The earth cannot exist even for a single day without the presence of the Imam/ Amr/ holder of authority/ vicegerent on earth.
The earth can not exist without any Hujah of God and do you mean to say that this play boy of unknown parentage is Gods Hujjah take a look in the Mirror Pal you seriously hit your head hard some where.
Immamate is not what you take it to be my dear. Have you ever considered studying this institution with a clear and unbiased mind?
My brothers in faith may be misguides, may not have a guide or teacher, may be divided, may have differences of opinion…… that is okay, I will pray that they are rightly guided and they come on the straight path, but I will not tolerate mud slinging on my Imam…… yes no one one has a right to interfere in my faith. I am hopeful that a time will come when all Shia and Muslims brothers will be united in faith and they will recognise the Imam of the time who is in hiding before their eyes because of having been misguided.
Next time you say some thing bad about Karim Aga Khan just think twice…. may be you are doing it to your own Imam.
When we don’t believe in this bag of dirt how come he is our Imam?
No one is interfering in this faith of yours if that is what you call it, rather it seems more of a corrupt and debauched decadent enterprise or elite business club, all what is being said is that he should not have passed statements in matters which do not concern him that’s all.
the only thing that can save this country and the world now is tolerance and pluralism. Let us stay unite and stop attack on each other.
to you is your way and to me is mine.
Our form of practice of faith may be different from yours….. but it is ours, no one can take it away from us and there is no compulsion or use of force in Islam.
We have a living guide and teacher who interprets the faith and makes the Shariah relevant for us according to the need of the time and age.
My Imam Mehdi is Karim Aga Khan your Imam Mehdi might be some another Imam from his progeny later on…… so please be patient and stop attack on the faith of others.
For you Imam Mehdi is a name for me it means ‘rightly guided’ and my Imam is rightly guided and on the straight path. May be another Imam will come and claim that he is Imam Mehdi and you might not even recognise him saying that he is not Imam Mehdi just as you are doing with my Imam…… this will continue and the day is not far when the believers will recognise this Imam not by name Mehdi but as the rightly guided vicegerent of Allah.
Rightly guided with multiple divorce cases worth Millions still pending in European courts and living a life of luxury having affairs all around , I guess the meaning of rightly guided has changed!!!…
all the Imams from the progeny of the Prophet through Mawla Ali are Imam Mehdi and all my Imams were Imam Mehdi the rightly guided. And yes Karim Aga Khan is the true living Hazir and maujood Imam. Jasak Allah.
Ha ha ha ha!!!… Great Joke, I mean how hard can you bang your head, Seeing things and stuff like that!!!…
I have said all I wanted and it should be enough for those who ponder and have an understanding of the Quran and the hadith of the Prophet. For this captain of pigs I can only say that be prepared for the hellfire!!
You call me the Captain of pigs but have you ever considered taking a good look at the faces of the women with who, your so called imam has affairs with every other day, they really look like Pigs.
I will not say anything about your Imam…..because he is my Imam, but you are saying rubbish about my Imam because you are lost souls!
I don’t understand what you are meaning to say by that, like You claim that my Imam is your Imam yet I am insulting your Imam what nonsense first try to understand what Immamate is in Islam and the terms and conditions involved as well as the criteria for a person to be called an imam. If our Imams are the same then why are we not following the same creed this is a discrepancy and a quite vast one at that so how come we have the same beliefs?
What is the harm in having number of wives….is it something new? How many wives did the Prophet have? My Imam is living his life ethically, he is not a womaniser, he has given a part of his wealth to his divorced wives which he ought to have under the law. There is a lot of rubbish spoken about my Imam here and all those who are enjoying this loose talk are partners with you in this.
My last challenge to you is tell your alims and leaders to take my Imam to court or refute his claim in public and the truth will be out! why are you all shit scared? And I am sure they never will because this will expose them!!
It is really very sad that we Shia have been divided into so many factions on the point of rightful spiritual authority and successor of Mawla Ali, but no one……. no one at all except him has claimed that he is the living Imam of the Time and Age……. because none is.
Drinking and gambling and having affairs with loose women is the way to lead an ethical life then it means that the definition of an ethical life has changed. Your Imam does not have spare time from his luxuries and debauchery sin and vice to challenge or consider facing any one so how come we take him to court, rather he goes to court and that to western ones rather than Islamic every now and then in matters pertaining to his affairs, divorces and illegitimate children, so when he gets spare time from such activities then only can he be taken in for other matters.
If he is an Imam why doesn’t he solve his matters via Islamic courts and applying Shariah principles?
There are many Shia scholars who are now writing for Institute of Ismaili studies …… if you want to seek knowledge and know about all the research work that is being done then you will come to know the truth!
My Last few words for the readers……
Karim Aga Khan is the rightful successor to the Prophet (p.b.u.h) through the blood of Ali (a.s), he is the Imam of the time and age, he is the vicegerent of Allah on earth, he is the Ulil Amr/ person in authority, he is of the same Noor as Imam Ali and Imam Hussain. He is Hujjah of Allah on earth.
It is the enemies of him whose progeny will be cut off from the face of the earth and my Imam will continue to give this world an Imam from his progeny till the end of time.
Nauzubillah an Imam is in the 1st place not supposed to be of illegitimate birth or unknown parentage. He is clearly an enemy of God using the Dien of God for his own personal objectives and worldly gains and such a person is a failure a liar and a self defeated Dunya Seeker.
What will having Shia Scholars working at the IIS have to do with making me see the truth, what truth are you talking about? What knowledge and research and is there a living in the practical world with that sort of knowledge and research or any scope what so ever, like is for instance Ismaili Studies, history or Immamate more important or IT and commerce and other fields of career more important, so prior to saying any emotional non sense just think about what you are saying and the realities of the world.
Ok one simple Question tell me about who his parents are and the circumstances surrounding his birth and who his father actually is, and why his father was unable to take the position of your so Called Ismaili Immamate and it was by Passed to this current So called Imam of yours by his Grandfather who was quite angry as well.
You still haven’t replied to my Question
The Aga Khan’s personal position is unique in the world today … This man is a bridge between North and South, East and West. His leadership is beyond politics, beyond race, beyond religion. In a world torn by division, hostility, war and fear of nuclear holocaust, he is a shining beacon of inspiration and of hard-headed accomplishment in improving the lot of humankind, in elevating the quality of civilised life and in uplofting all peoples of the world to cherish the brotherhood of man.
Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah…Yawn!!!…. Typical rhetorical Nonsense as usual, senseless without any room for questioning or analysis as usual.
Actually the only shining beacon of this person is his bald head which I guess came along in his youth as a result of excessive drinking or some thing like that, it shines in the Sun light for miles around for all to see. So yes He is a beacon no doubt.
It is a shame that the person who posted this article does not have anything to respond!! Lanat on Ali Abbas Taj for trying to defame a man of such high repute, respected by all the worlds leaders and who also happens to be the Imam of a community who are the rightly guided !!
No body is defaming his, what he said was the truth as it appeared in the international media do you deny that. Why don’t you first direct your Lanat to the International Media which reported it, rather than someone who quotes it?
Also a Playboy who does not get spare time from womanizing and drinking and all manner of debauchery vice and luxury, and is of unknown parentage is someone of high repute!!!…And a Community following such a person is rightly guided!!!…Are you serious do you expect us to believe what you are saying?
I have a great respect for Ali Abbas Taj. However, I marvel at his knowledge after reading this ignorant piece of him. He has questioned Imam’s authority and knowledge as people of Jahalia used to questioned the authority of Imam Ali (a.s) and used to spew their venom on Imam Hassan and his wives. But let me remind them, according to the following verse of Quran we are advised to “Obey” Allah, Prophet and Divine Authority without judging, exaggeration and immoderation. Iblis did’t obey and judged Adam and was cursed.
“Obey God, His Apostle and those in Divine Authority amongst you” – (4:59)
“For every man to know Allah means to know the Imam of his time’ who must be obeyed”. Imam Hussain (a.s) Ref: Tafsir-e-Safi written by one of the high ranking Sunni Ulama “Faiz Kashi (Which is endorsed by Shia as well as Sunni Ullema)
If people have harmed you. Forget and forgive. Do not hold grudges, do not turn around and say, “He hurt me yesterday, so I will hurt him today.” This is not the Spirit of Islam. – Imam Shah Karim Al Husseiny (a.s) Who else could say such pearls except the progeny of Muhammad.
This piece was in total a personal attack on Imam of Shias by an Inthna Ashri who hold grudges against Shian-e Ali.
What do you mean by “an Isna Asheri who holds Grudges against Shiaan-e-Ali” can you please try to make sense how can one be a Shia and at the same time hold a grudge against Shia? The Imam of Shias is a totally different position altogether with its own well defined and strict criteria and for which a person should be clean and have a level of unparalleled spiritual and moral standing in the eyes of Allah and not a play boy of unknown parentage who is into all manner of vices forbidden in the religion of God.
Man! I am shockingly lost with this debate. All I want to know is what make the this Ismaili Imam guy called himself Prince and why his daughter married a white British guy?
All I hear from the Ismaili Bros that they are inferior to their Imam and can not possibly marry his daughter – against the Ismaili law? But She can marry a Christian?
Just don’t make sense! help me understand, please.
Mr cap and bla bla ….Hamay fikar Hay ki Tom log aik dosray (shia mean khatmal…or Suni) KO maar kr khatam hojawo gay or jaisay khatima Tom logoon Ka ho be raha hay waisay be if I m not wrong… Samja rahay hain Kind aisa name Karo yai achi baat nahe …Tum log ho Mazhabi Yateem… Imam Hussain KO shaheed Tom he logoon nay KIA that na..? About q matam kartay ho…? Maura imam Hussain Aj b hamaray beech may hay…
So please Qateloon KO zaib nahe daita aisi batain Karna …ab Iraq may Jo ho raha hay us k zimmadar shia mean khatmal brother hay .America say mil k Saddam Hussain KO marwaya iqtidaar k liyai….ab bhookto..
Aj jitanay b Moqquddas Maqbray hain un ki toheen ho rahe hay …Because of you ppl.
Ab thoda samaj aaya hoga ….So please maira Sect Maira Aqeeda May Janu..Tmhara Tom janoo..
Hey, I disagree, but this is the sort of criticism of HH all should welcome. Let it be something he proves wrong, I think everyone here would be happy to see that